New gates for Cotswold Canals

SIX new  lock gates have been installed on the Ryeford Double Lock near Stonehouse on the disused Cotswold Canals.

The work is part of a project to restore just over six miles of waterway between Brimscombe and Stonehouse, that is being led by Stroud District Council, with contribution  by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Step forward

Councillor Keith Pearson, from Stroud District Council, enthused:

"This is a huge step forward in our efforts to get the canal open between Stonehouse and Lodgemore, ready for the Stroud on Water Festival next June."

The  gates were delivered last year, and have been stored in hessian sacking, being watered every week to prevent them drying out and shrinking.